Column Insulated Beam System and Method of Use

ABSTRACT

A column insulated beam construction system for living spaces based on a single element constructive, conceived for the construction of beams and columns, which by means of rigid joints they form a structural framework without the need of internal reinforcements, with a resistance to deformation as well as with a high thermal insulation capacity. which by uniting with each other assemble a volume that ultimately constitutes a thermally isolated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a constructive system for living spacesbased on a single surrounding element. Specifically, the presentinvention comprises a structural construction system with high thermalefficiency comprising of beams and columns with thermal insulationwithin in a single compound element that, by means of intersectingmembers, form a ridged structural frame between a series of columns andbeams.

BACKGROUND

As construction costs increase, there is a correlating increasing needto reduce costs associated with the time it takes to complete aconstruction project, reduce the percentage of waste in said activityand increase thermal efficiency for a lower energy consumption, andchange the construction processes of spaces habitable from an economicand sustainable point of view. Accordingly, a need exists for a novelconstruction system that reduces the percentage of construction wastewhile simultaneously increasing thermal efficiency for a lower energyconsumption with a focus on component prefabrication constructive thatare quick and easy to install and that meet usually more than onefunction.

Various attempts have been made, although unsuccessfully, to solve thedrawbacks of the traditional construction process. One illustrativeattempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Patent Application No.2009/0293396 which discloses, generally, a structural insulated panelthat is manufactured with a plastic foam core, a board of orientedmembers capped with a structural member on each side to construct astructural wall. While this disclosure addresses constructureprefabrication, it does not address the reduction of construction wastepremised on the use of a single construction element.

Another example may be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,621which discloses a structural insulation panel system with improvedresistance to loads and weathering and that offers greater flexibilityin the installation of the panel in the structure of a building having aweather-resistant surface, a finished interior surface, and aninsulating layer between the surfaces exteriors and interiors that canbe economically produced in mass and install easily. This disclosuredoes not, however, address the reduction of construction waste premisedon a single construction element.

In yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,621 discloses a generallyflat structural panel for building construction including an inner coreof insulation such as plastic foam and a pair of opposite outer facings,or sheets, attached to the core panel insulation. Other constructioncomponents of this disclosure also include external walls made of agypsum composite while the other exterior cladding is an oriented strandboard impregnated with plastic, such as a polyisocyanurate or urethaneresin. While this disclosure addresses constructure prefabrication andthermal efficiency, it does not address the reduction of constructionwaste premised on the use of a single construction element.

As can be seen, various attempts have been made to solve the problemswhich may be found in the related art but have been unsuccessful.Specifically, the prior art do not address a construction method andsystem for living spaces based on a single element constructive,conceived for the construction of beams and columns, which by means ofrigid joints they form a structural framework without the need ofinternal reinforcements, with a resistance to deformation as well aswith a high thermal insulation capacity. which by uniting with eachother assemble a volume that ultimately constitutes a thermallyisolated. Therefore, a need exists for a new and novel constructionsystem that reduces the percentage of construction waste whilesimultaneously increasing thermal efficiency for a lower energyconsumption with a focus on a single component constructionprefabrication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that in the present disclosure, all embodimentsare provided as illustrative and non-limiting representatives of manypossible embodiments. In addition, the terms “is,” “can,” “will,” andthe like are herein used as synonyms for and interchangeable with termssuch as “may,” “may provide for,” and “it is contemplated that thepresent invention may” and so forth.

Furthermore, all elements listed by name, such as beams, columns,joints, and structural framework encompass all equivalents for suchelements. Such equivalents are contemplated for each element namedherein.

For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures of the present invention are provided herein. It is to beunderstood that not all aspects, advantages, or novel features may beprovided in any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subjectmatter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oroptimizes one aspect, advantages, or novel features or group of featureswithout achieving all aspects, advantages, or novel features as may betaught or suggested.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known art, thepresent invention provides a novel solution for a construction systemfor living spaces based on a single constructive element. The presentinvention comprises a prefabrication construction system that utilizescomponents that can be recycled or reused, thereby eliminatingconstruction waste.

The features of the invention, which are believed to be novel, areparticularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concludingportion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, andadvantages of the present invention will become better understood withreference to the following drawings and detailed description.

The present invention relates to a construction system for habitablespaces, where the structural element of the Column Insulated Beam System(“CIB” or “CIB System”) constitutes a single constructive element uniqueconceived for the materialization of structures based on the additionsimplified layout of elements both horizontally and vertically, formingrigid joints that allow the construction of a frame structural, whoserepetition defines the main structure. The use of a single constructionelement further allows for the reduction in construction waste. Theframe is comprised of an upper beam, a lower beam, and columns. Thestructure of the frame offers high resistance to deformation, lateralthrust, and in turn of vertical loads. In a preferred embodiment, theframe structure allows for interior spaces to be free of secondaryelements and annexes, dispensing with partitions or forced divisions togive resistance to the set of elements that make up a living space.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the structure isbuilt from the rigid connection between the beam and column elements andare comprised of plywood plates, plywood and expanded polystyrene(“EPS”), which may collectively or individually be referred to as“modules”. In some embodiments, the modules are joined by means of astructural adhesive to form a rigid frame, which contains a portion offloor, walls, and roof where the connecting repetition constructs thevolume structure and thermal insulation of the habitable space.

The structural strength and resistance of the CIB System is afforded bythe integration of beams that may be comprised of (1) plywood plates,laminated wood beams, or laminated wood veneer (or other wooden element)aligned on a longitudinal axis and (2) a thermal insulation block of EPSor other insulating foams such as polyurethane foam, styrene foamextrudate, or foams of polyisocyanurates. When joined, the woodenelement and the EPS, adhered throughout the width and length of thewooden elements, allows for greater load capacity and resistancethroughout the wooden elements. By adhering to the width of the woodenelements, the EPS provided an insulation thickness that exceedscurrently known thermal energy saving requirements. The CIB Systemfurther offers an interior space with high thermal efficiency and aninsulated envelope.

In other embodiments, the CIB System weighs less than traditionalconstruction system, prefabricated or manually constructed, which allowsfor assembly to be completed easily, quicky, and without the need forspecialized workers.

In some embodiments, the frames of the CIB System are composed of thesame joining system of the beans and columns. By way of non-limitingexample, a frame may be constructed from a 30 mm plywood plate, a 240 mmcolumn and beam, and at least 32 screws per side whereby at least 16screws are arranged every 30 mm. The frames may be further comprised ofonly two materials and a structural adhesive that may be derived frompolyurethan, resin adhesives, synthetic elastomer, hot-melt adhesives,and other adhesives such as polyvinyl acetate that have a heightenedresistance to humidity.

The CIB System may have measures of a wood element (thickness andheight) and EPS based on the structural requirements of the constructionbuild. By way of further non-limiting example, a CIB System may becomprised of 18 mm plywood (36 mm total of the plate reconstituted) thatis divided into sections of 300 mm which provides an optimal measure forthe EPS. Other measurements may include 300 mm thick blocks along withmedium and high-density EPS (i.e., 15 kg/m3). With such measurements,waste from EPS products may be reduced by 90% as the EPS products arerecyclable.

In other configurations, and by way of a non-limiting example, the CIBSystem may be arranged where two plywood elements measuring 2440×240×15mm, and a third plywood element measuring 1220×240×15 mm in order tomake maximum use of the structural plate of plywood and to form one ofthe sides of the wooden element plywood that is six (6) meters long,contained in the CIB System. Notwithstanding the measurements, thearrangement of the plywood pieces in these sheets are structurallyadhered together in such a way horizontally that the cuts never coincideof the remaining elements.

The embodiment of the invention described herein are exemplary andnumerous modifications, variations, and rearrangements can be readilyenvisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which areintended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment of the invention has beendescribed in terms of the components and configurations, it isunderstood that the invention is not limited to those specificdimensions or configurations but is to be accorded the full breadth ofthe spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a plurality of CIB System frames inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show an illustrative view of plywood elementsintegrated with ESP elements in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a front, side, top, and perspective view of the CIBSystem frame.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the joining members of the CIBSystem framework. FIG. 4B shows solidification of the beam structure ofthe CIB System. FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of the joint pillarcreating the joining corners of the CIB System.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the joining members of the CIB Systemframework.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative view of the CIB System constructed into atwo-story structure.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a CIB System constructed as aone-story structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art byproviding a novel construction system for living spaces based on asingle constructive element conceived for the construction of beams andcolumns, which through rigid joints constitute a structural frameworkwith resistance to deformation and with a high thermal insulationcapacity.

It is essential to understand that the drawings and the associateddescriptions are provided to illustrate potential embodiments of theinvention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Reference in thespecification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended toindicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristicsdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least anembodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrases “in oneembodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise,the term “comprise” and various of the term, such as “comprising”,“comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives,components, integers or steps.

In the following description, specific details are given to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details. Well-known features,elements or techniques may be shown in detail in order not to obscurethe embodiments.

The system of the present invention is a construction system suitablefor living spaces based on a single constructive element conceived forthe construction of beams and columns which, through rigid joints,constitute a structural framework with resistance to deformation andwith a high thermal insulation capacity. The design of the CIB Systemfocuses on the optimization of arrangements to optimize how thematerials are used materials. For this reason, the measurement of theadhesion of two frames may be equivalent to the standard measure ofcoating products such as the plates of plasterboard, fiber cementboards, and wood panel chipboards. By way of non-limiting example, themeasurement of the adhesion of two frames may be 1200 mm. The repetitionof this process forms a volume of frames, which has a structuralresistance to deformation and is thermally insulated.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a plurality of 100 CIB System framesadhered together in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. A viewer may perceive that the 100 CIB System framescomprise of a 101 vertical beam element and a 102 horizontal column. Ina non-limiting example, the wood element may be the length of240×6000×30 mm with an ESP block of 15 Kg/m3 with measurements of240×540×6000 mm which, when joined provides a single constructionelement. In another non-limiting example, the wood element may be thelength of ×30 mm with an ESP block of 15 Kg/m3 with measurements of200×500×600 mm, 240×550×600 mm, or 200×550×600 mm, where when joinedprovides a single construction element.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show an illustrative view of plywood elementsintegrated with ESP elements in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention. The repetitive adhesion of the plywoodelements to the ESP elements provides for a structure that is thermallyinsolated. In FIG. 2A, a viewer may perceive that a 201 a, 201 b woodmember may be adhered to a 203 block of EPS by and through a 202 a, 202b structural adhesive. When fully constructed, the 201 a, 201 b woodmember may be adhered to a 203 block of EPS by and through a 202 a, 202b structural adhesive form a 204 single structural element.

As may be seen in FIG. 2C, the 204 single structural element may bemodified in length by removing a block 206 a, 206 b, 207 a, 207 b whichin turn forms the 101 vertical beam element and a 102 horizontal columnelement of the 100 CIB System frame.

FIG. 3A shows a 301 front, 302 side, and 303 top, and view of a single100 CIB System frame, while FIG. 3B shows a 304 perspective view of asingle 100 CIB System frame.

A viewer may perceive that the 100 CIB System framework is comprises ofbeam and column elements whereby by joining beams to beams and columnsto columns with metal-coated screws (such as zinc-coated screws) thatmay be of 10.16 cm (4 inches) or similar, which are regularly spacedevery 600 mm for both edges of the beam and column elements. The cornersare also used for the union of two frames and prior to placing the looseblock of EPS, zinc plated 6×4 inches screws (or similar) are insertedperpendicular to the plane all layers of wood element.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the joining members of the 100 CIBSystem framework. A viewer may perceive that the 102 horizontal beamelement may be joined to the 101 vertical column element by a 401 jointpillar. When joined, as seen in FIG. 4C, the 401 joint pillar createsthe joining comers of the 100 CIB System frame. To form a straight andresistant frame it is necessary to join columns and beams through lineartype comer plywood. Each linear comer plywood measures the same width asthe wood elements of a beam or pillar of the CIB System, of preferably240 mm for a length of 480 mm, a length that allows joining a beam witha column, the linear comer wood element allows continuity to theremaining wooden elements, being joined, fixed, with a preferred size of7×50.8 mm (or similar) zinc plated screws per connection, that is, 32screws per comer joint, about 252 screws per frame corresponding to 8linear wood elements of 240 mm×480 mm and 30 mm thick. The joint betweenframes is fixed as well as at the comers as by the interior and exteriorperimeter contour between frames, in the joints of the continuous woodenelements, along and at the height of the frames. The joints in thecomers between frames are made by means of 6×100 mm or similar screwsthat secure a sequence of layers preferably of structural plywood, andthe linear joints are attached using 6×100 mm lancer screws. inches (orsimilar), on both sides of the wooden elements of CIB System, placed atan angle of 45°, arranged every 600 mm.

As shown in FIG. 4B, and to further solidify the beam structure, thewood sheets may be screwed together around each perimeter and point ofconnection between the plywood sheets by zinc-plated screws, or othermetal-plated screws, of an inch or 6×100 mm, thus achieving thenecessary pressure between the layers so that the plywood sheets and theESP are joined and work as a single element allowing the final thicknessof each beam to be 60 mm. In another embodiment, the wood sheets may bescrewed together around each perimeter and point of connection betweenthe plywood sheets by zinc-plated screws, or other metal-plated screws,of an inch or 2.54 cm, thus achieving the necessary pressure between thelayers so that the plywood sheets and the ESP are joined and work as asingle element allowing the final thickness of each beam to be 30 mm.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the connectors for the corner joints inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, whichprovide additional support to the 401 joint pillars. By way ofnon-limiting example, this includes a 501 45-degree corner joint as seenin FIG. 5A, a 502 120-degree corner joint as seen in FIG. 5B, a 503180-degree horizontal corner joint as seen in FIG. 5C, a 504 180-degreevertical corner joint as seen in FIG. 5D, and a 505 90-degree cornerjoint as seen in FIG. 5E.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative view of the 100 CIB System constructed intoa 601 two-story structure. A viewer may perceive that the embodimentthat the illustration shows a constructed 601 two-story frame with asingle interior space, without divisions.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a 100 CIB System constructed as aone-story structure. By way of non-limiting example, a viewer mayperceive that the 100 CIB System may comprises of beams that are 2440 mmhigh, 1220 mm wide, and 60 mm thick to comprise a standard 100 CIBSystem construction. For such a configuration, each column comprises ofa beam that is 6 m long by 600 mm wide, using two plywood sheets thatare 15 mm wide×2440 mm high×1220 mm long, and block of EPS that is 6000mm long×540 mm high, which a density of 15 Kg/m3.

Structural Examples

The varying types of structural partitions must have the integrity toresist different loads. These loads are determined in accordance withconstruction regulations in the applicable jurisdiction. The purpose ofthis invention is to provide a common power of resistance on horizonalloads.

The 100 CIB System may be materially constituted by two pieces of 30 mmplywood having an EPS foam member of medium density that is 240 mmthick, 540 mm wide, and 6000 mm long thereby becoming a singlestructural element for construction purposes. In another embodiment, theEPS foam member may have a medium density that is 200 mm thick, 540 mmwide, and 6000 mm. In another embodiment, the EPS foam member may have amedium density that is 240 mm thick, 550 mm wide, and 6000 mm. Inanother embodiment, the EPS foam member may have a medium density thatis 200 mm thick, 550 mm wide, and 6000 mm.

Example 1

This structural example provides the description of detail of the jointsof a residential structure having two floors with a roof in accordancewith a CIB System. By way of non-limiting example, the joints betweenthe roof beams are visible, preferably at a 45-degree angle, with cutsof the beam element at 45-degrees and the inclusion of “L” cornerplywood joints having zinc-plated or galvanized screws that are at least7×50.8 mm (7#×2 inches) or similar. There may also be joints betweenroof beams and columns, with cuts in the beam at 45 degrees and straightcuts at 90 degrees in the column. In another embodiment, the zinc-platedor galvanized screws that are at least (6#×2 inches) or similar.

Each linear corner plywood measures the same width as the wood elementsof a beam or pillar of the CIB System, of preferably 240 mm for a lengthof 480 mm, a length that allows joining a beam with a column, the linearcorner wood element allows continuity to the remaining wooden elements,being joined, fixed, with a preferential size of 7#×50.8 mm (7#×2inches) or similar zinc plated screws per connection, that is, 32 screwsper corner joint, about 252 screws per frame corresponding to 8 linearwood elements of 240 mm×480 mm and 15 mm thick. In another embodiment,the liner corner wood element allowing continuity to the remainingwooden elements may be joined, fixed, with a preferential size of16×6×1.5 in or similar zinc plated screws per connection, that is, 32screws per corner joint, about 252 screws per farm corresponding to 8liner wood elements of 240 mm×480 mm and 30 mm. In another embodiment,the 8 liner wood elements may each have a dimension of 240 mm×480 mm and30 mm.

For the second floor, the union between the column and the beam may bepresented by straight cuts in the beam and the continuous column plusthe corner plywood.

By way of non-limiting example, the joint between the column and thebeam is required for the second floor with straight cut in the columnand straight cut beam of a linear type corner plywood with apreferential size of 7#×50.8 mm. (7×2 inches) or similar zinc platedscrews per connection, that is, 32 screws per corner joint, about 252screws per frame corresponding to 8 linear wood elements of 240 mm×480mm and 15 mm thick. In another embodiment, the joint between the columnand the beam is required for the second floor with straight cut in thecolumn and straight cut beam of a linear type corner plywood with apreferential size of 16×6×1.5 inches or similar zinc plated screws perconnection, that is, 32 screws per corner joint, about 252 screws perframe corresponding to 8 linear wood elements of 240 mm×480 mm and 15 mmthick. In another embodiment, the 8 liner wood elements may each have adimension of 240 mm×480 mm and 30 mm.

The joint between the column and the lower beam in the case of aresidential construction would require a straight cut and the column andthe lower beam linear type and with a preferential size of 7#×50.8 mm.(7#×2 inches) or similar zinc plated screws per connection, that is, 32screws per corner joint, about 252 screws per frame corresponding to 8linear wood elements of 240 mm×480 mm and 15 mm thick. In anotherembodiment, the joint between the column and the lower beam in the caseof a residential construction would require a straight cut and thecolumn and the lower beam linear type and with a preferential size of6×2 inches or similar zinc plated screws per connection, that is, 32screws per corner joint, about 252 screws per frame corresponding to 8linear wood elements of 240 mm×480 mm and 15 mm thick. In anotherembodiment, the 8 liner wood elements may each have a dimension of 240mm×480 mm and 30 mm.

Example 2

A sequence of eight (8) system frames of the CIB System comprises of 16beam elements that are 6 m long and 16 column elements that are 3 mlong, thereby providing for a constructed area of 29.5 square meterswith 3.48 m of exterior height. The total weight of the volume may be1,440 kg. The thickness of the walls, bottom slab and upper slab is 24cm, a measure that corresponds to the thickness of the volume thermalinsulation. The configuration of the plywood and the EPS stiffen thestructure by means of the plywood plates having the same thicknessinserted at each vertex joining beam elements and column elements,forming frames that are capable of resisting vertical loads and lateralthrusts without the need for interior partitions.

Although the present invention has been described with a degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has beenmade by way of example and that other versions are possible. As variouschanges could be made in the above description without departing fromthe scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained inthe above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beillustrative and not used in a limiting sense. The spirit and scope ofthe appended claims should not be limited to the description of thepreferred versions contained in the disclosure.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims,abstracts, and drawings, and all steps in any method or processdisclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations whereat least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Eachfeature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract,and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same,equivalent or some similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is oneexample only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

While the present invention generally described herein has beendisclosed in connection with a number of embodiments shown and describedin detail, various modifications should be readily apparent to those ofskill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A column insulated beam and column constructionsystem comprising at least one wood element; at least one foam element;a plurality of beams and comprising of at least one wood element that isjoined to at least one foam element by a structural adhesive and aplurality of columns comprising of at least one wood element joined toat least one foam element by a structural adhesive which beams andcolumns, when joined form a structural frame; a plurality ofmetal-plated screws; a plurality of corner members;
 2. The columninsulated beam and column construction system of claim 1 where the woodelement comprises of plywood plates, oriented strand boards, laminatedwoods, laminated wood beams, laminated wood veneer or plywood sheets. 3.The column insulated beam and column construction system of claim 1where the foam element is expanded polystyrene.
 4. The column insulatedbeam and column construction system of claim 3 where the foam elementhas a density of 15 Kg/m3 and is 240 mm thick, 540 mm wide, and 6000 mmlong.
 5. The column insulated beam and column construction system ofclaim 1 where the wood element measures at least 6000 mm long, 240 mmwide, and 30 mm thick, where the wood elements comprise a first side inan arrangement two wood pieces that are at least 15 mm thick, 24400 mmlong, and 1220 mm wide.
 6. The column insulated beam and columnconstruction system of claim 1 where the structural adhesive comprisesof polyurethane-derived adhesives, synthetic elastomer resin adhesives,hot melt adhesives, or polyvinyl acetate adhesives having a resistanceto humidity.
 7. The column insulated beam and column construction systemof claim 6 where the first and second side of the wood elements arefixedly attached to the first and second side of the foam elementcreating a single structural element.
 8. The column insulated beam andcolumn construction system of claim 6 where the single structuralelement is modified by extracting a 240×610×6000 mm block of the foamelement, leaving the first and second side of the wood element to extendbeyond the internal foam element.
 9. The column insulated beam andcolumn construction system of claim 1 where a beam is joined to a columnat their ends.
 10. The column insulated beam and column constructionsystem of claim 9 where the union of the beam and the column form anindependent frame having a rigid rectangular shape of 6000 mm×3480 mm.11. The column insulated beam and column constructed system of claim 9where the unions of the beam and column are reinforced using two piecesof corner joints measuring 240 mm×480 mm×30 mm that are overlapped inhalves of the beam and column elements and joined by means of using ametal-plated screw and a structural adhesive which, when trapped underpressure between the walls of the corner wood elements that join andstiffen the frame, join a rigid joint.
 12. The column insulated beam andcolumn construction system of claim 1 where the structural frames areadhered together through the joint at the corners and the inner andouter perimeter contour between the structural frames, at the joints ofthe wood elements, and along the length and height of the structuralframes, where the joints are formed by means of metal plated screws tosecure the sequence of layers of wood.
 13. The column insulated beam andcolumn construction system of claim 1 where the shape of structuralframe may be a rectangle, square, rhomboid, triangle, regular orirregular polyhedrons, trapezoids, or figures of irregular geometricshape.
 14. The column insulated beam and column construction system ofclaim 12 where the joined structural frames constitute a continuousenvelope with a portion of floor, walls, and roof.
 15. The columninsulated beam and column construction system of claim 12 where thejoined structural frames form a living space.
 16. The column insulatedbeam and column construction system of claim 12 where the joinedstructural frames may form a single-level or multi-level living space.17. The column insulated beam and column construction system of claim 1where the structural frame that forms a structural framework forhabitual spaces is free of internal reinforcements.
 18. The columninsulated beam and column construction system of claim 1 wherestructural frame may have corners with angles ranging from 15 degrees to90 degrees.
 19. The column insulated beam and column construction systemof claim 1 where the structural frame provides thermal insulation.